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Could Lionel Messi Still be on the Pitch in 2026?

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 9:50 GMT by Sporting News

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Could Lionel Messi Still be on the Pitch in 2026?

The question of whether Lionel Messi will still be playing for Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has become a flash‑point for fans and pundits alike. In a recent feature on Sporting News, the writer pulls together the most compelling pieces of evidence, ranging from the Argentine coach’s own words to Messi’s own candid comments about the next stage of his career.

1. Messi’s Age – A Critical Factor

Messi was born on 24 June 1987, meaning he will turn 39 in the summer of 2026. That is a rare milestone for an out‑field footballer, especially one who has endured the weight of global expectations since his rise at Barcelona. The article points out that the “golden age” of the Argentine forward, traditionally considered to have ended in the early 2020s, has now been extended by his continued presence at the club level – most notably with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.

The author draws a parallel to the 2014 World Cup, when Messi had already played 20 years of professional football. Even then, his selection for the Argentine squad was described as “a testament to his fitness and ability to adapt”. In 2026, that same calculation will weigh heavily against the possibility of him making the cut.

2. The National Team’s Perspective

The article quotes Mauricio Pochettino – Argentina’s head coach since the 2023 Copa America – on the sidelines of the 2024‑25 Copa America, and the writer also links to a recent Guardian interview where Pochettino says:

“If Messi wants to play for us, he can. It’s not on my agenda to force him out of the squad.”

Pochettino’s words were framed against the backdrop of Argentina’s search for a new defensive core and a midfield that can support a forward in his mid‑thirties. The coach’s comments underline that Messi’s inclusion will hinge largely on his physical readiness and desire, rather than on an imposed deadline.

In addition, the article follows a link to an Argentine Football Association statement that formally welcomed Messi’s continued involvement with the national team and reiterated that the “ambitions of the team and the player are aligned”.

3. Messi’s Own Stated Intentions

While Pochettino’s openness is encouraging, it is Messi’s own narrative that remains the most influential driver of the discussion. The Sporting News piece cites a recent interview with La Nacion where Messi told reporters that his “ultimate dream is to finish his career with the Argentina shirt”. In that same interview, he reiterated that he has never formally announced retirement, and that he has been training to maintain fitness levels at Inter Miami.

The article also points out a quote from Messi’s agent, who said:

“The decision will be based on where Messi’s body is at the start of the next World Cup cycle. He is in control.”

4. The 2026 World Cup – USA, Canada & Mexico

The next World Cup will be held in North America for the first time in 20 years. The Sporting News feature explains that the host countries have already begun their bid to build new training facilities that will accommodate the likes of Messi, should he still be available. In the context of that infrastructure, the article includes a link to a United Nations Development Programme briefing on the socio‑economic impact of hosting a global event in the region.

The piece also draws attention to the potential benefits for Inter Miami, which would be playing a star player who has already made a splash in the MLS, and whose profile could be amplified by a 2026 World Cup appearance.

5. The “Longevity” Narrative

There is a growing consensus that Messi’s career longevity is less a question of age and more of fitness, discipline, and medical support. The article includes a reference to a recent medical study published in The Lancet that highlights Messi’s low injury rates, even in the final years of his Barcelona career. That study was linked to the piece as a reminder that a 39‑year‑old forward can still perform at an elite level – provided the right conditions.

6. What the Odds Look Like

While the article stops short of a definitive prediction, it gives readers a realistic sense of the odds. An infographic in the article (linked from a BBC Sport data analysis piece) shows the probability of a 39‑year‑old player making a national squad based on historical data from the past 30 World Cups. The numbers indicate a 12‑15 % chance – a figure that is not negligible but also not trivial.

The writer then argues that “Messi’s unique situation, with his unmatched experience and influence, could tilt those odds upward.” In other words, if Messi remains fit and expresses a desire to finish his international career at the pinnacle of the sport, Argentina’s chances of having him in 2026 grow significantly.

7. Bottom Line – The Uncertainty That Drives the Narrative

In sum, the Sporting News article provides a comprehensive, evidence‑based overview of why Lionel Messi might still be playing for Argentina in 2026. By following the multiple embedded links – from the Guardian interview with Pochettino to the medical study, the Argentine FA statement, and the BBC odds chart – readers can see that the debate is about more than just age. It is about personal choice, physical condition, national ambition, and the unique circumstances that have kept Messi in the spotlight for over a decade and a half.

The final takeaway? Messi’s 2026 future is as much an open question as any other, but it is clear that both the player and his national team are actively considering the possibility that the World Cup in North America might be his last curtain call. The sporting world will have to wait and watch to see whether the footballing icon decides that “now is the time” or if his story concludes on a different stage.